In a shocking turn of events at the Source Awards, chaos erupted when rapper Sticky Fingaz of Onyx pulled out a gun and fired it into the air during their performance, sending the audience and industry insiders into a panic. What was intended to be a triumphant night for the hardcore New York rap group turned into one of the most infamous moments in hip-hop history.

As Onyx took the stage to perform their hit “Throw Your Guns,” Sticky Fingaz, fueled by frustration over losing multiple awards, made a bold statement that left everyone in attendance reeling. With emotions running high, he took the title literally, brandishing a real firearm and firing it overhead. The explosion of sound shattered the energy of the night, instantly transforming celebration into chaos. Backstage, members of Onyx were caught off guard, with Frederro Star ducking for cover, completely unaware of Sticky’s intentions.

The immediate aftermath saw security rushing to control the situation, while the scent of gunpowder lingered in the air. Law enforcement arrived quickly, but by then, Sticky had already disposed of the weapon, leaving no trace behind. The police found nothing, but the unforgettable shockwave of that gunshot would resonate through the hip-hop community for years to come.

This incident, amidst an already tense atmosphere highlighted by Suge Knight’s infamous remarks, added fuel to the fire of the East Coast-West Coast rivalry. Critics of hip-hop seized the moment to further demonize the genre, painting it as a breeding ground for violence.

While no one was harmed, Sticky Fingaz’s reckless act forever altered the narrative around the Source Awards and solidified Onyx’s reputation as one of the wildest crews in hip-hop. In an industry already scrutinized for its ties to violence, this explosive moment became a defining chapter in the chaotic saga of ’90s rap culture, leaving fans and critics alike to grapple with its implications.